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Pat Cummins Returns to Hyderabad, Targets SRH Comeback vs Rajasthan Royals

Pat Cummins has arrived in Hyderabad and cleared a fitness test, targeting a return to play for Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 25 against Rajasthan Royals. The Australian Test captain has not played since the Ashes and missed the recent T20 World Cup. In his absence, Ishan Kishan has led the side, with SRH winning two of five matches. The team currently sits fourth in the points table as they prepare for their clash with Chennai Super Kings.

Key Points: Pat Cummins Returns to Hyderabad, SRH Captaincy Update

  • Cummins clears fitness test
  • Targets April 25 return vs RR
  • Missed T20 World Cup 2026
  • Ishan Kishan leading SRH
  • SRH fourth in points table
2 min read

IPL 2026: Pat Cummins reaches Hyderabad ahead of SRH's clash with CSK

Pat Cummins arrives in Hyderabad, clears fitness test. SRH captain targets April 25 return vs RR. Ishan Kishan leads team in his absence.

"Happy to be back in Hyderabad - Pat Cummins"

Hyderabad, April 18

Sunrisers Hyderabad have received a big boost ahead of their upcoming match in the Indian Premier League 2026 against five-time champions Chennai Super Kings at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium as their designated captain Pat Cummins has arrived in the city.

Cummins shared an Instagram Story showing him with his family at a restaurant. 'Happy to be back in Hyderabad,' he wrote in the caption. However, despite coming before the match, he will not take part in the encounter.

Cummins arrived in India ahead of the season, but didn't take part in the match. The 32-year-old flew back to Australia right after SRH's thrilling win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 2 for the scan on his back.

Australian Test captain cleared the fitness test on Friday, and he is now targeting to play his first match of the season on April 25, when SRH is scheduled to face Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Jaipur.

The Australian pacer has not played a single match since the Ashes series at home against England. He also missed the recently concluded ICC T20 World Cup 2026, where Australia exited for the first time from the group stage.

In his absence, SRH experimented with their pace attack and found success in debutant fast bowlers Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain, both of whom claimed four-wicket hauls against RR at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium earlier this week.

Ishan Kishan is leading the side until Cummins's return. Under his captaincy, the team has won two out of five matches in the ongoing season. They are currently placed in fourth position in the points table with a +0.576 net run rate.

SRH's season has been a bit inconsistent, but they've managed important victories against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). With the advantage of playing at home, SRH will be looking to build on those positives and add two valuable points to their tally against CSK.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Honestly, I'm a bit worried. He's been out for so long since the Ashes. Back injuries for fast bowlers are no joke. Hope he's fully recovered and doesn't rush back just because of IPL pressure. SRH should manage his workload carefully.
R
Rohit P
The young Indian pacers Praful and Sakib have been brilliant! Sometimes an injury to a star creates opportunity for others. Cummins is world class, but let's not forget these local talents who stepped up. That's the beauty of IPL.
S
Sarah B
As an Aussie fan living in Mumbai, it's a relief to see Pat back. Tough to see Australia crash out of the T20 WC and him not being part of it. Hope he finds his rhythm in Hyderabad. The team needs his experience against a strong CSK side.
V
Vikram M
Good to have him back in the city, but the match is against CSK at our home ground! Without him, our bowling looks a bit thin against their batting. Thala Dhoni vs. Ishan Kishan's captaincy will be the key battle. Hoping for a cracking match at Uppal!
K
Karthik V
The article says he's targeting the RR match on 25th. That's a sensible approach. No point risking him on a tricky Hyderabad pitch against CSK if he's not 100%. Let the new boys have another go. Two wins out of five under Kishan is not a bad record at all.

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